Is it obligatory to obey the father in refusing marriage to a young man who intends to engage in jihad in the future, and to what extent is this refusal Islamically acceptable, given the girl's desire to marry him?

Marriage is a legitimate bond encouraged by Islam, and one of its most important conditions is the good selection of spouses. Jihad is one of the greatest acts of goodness and the peak of Islam, and the Mujahideen are among the best of God's servants.

Going for Jihad does not mean certain death, for Allah has decreed provisions and lifespans, and death can come at any place and time, as happened with Khalid ibn al-Walid, who died in his bed. Allah Almighty forbids believers from adopting the belief of the disbelievers that death during travel or Jihad could have been avoided, for Allah gives life and causes death, and He manages affairs with His wisdom.

The father's rejection of the suitor on the pretext of fear of widowhood is wrong, for death is in the hands of Allah. However, if there are other reasons related to the suitor's character and religiosity, then the father has the right to refuse. The daughter must obey her father, as marriage is not permissible except with the guardian's permission, as stated in the Hadith (definition): "There is no marriage without a guardian."